Must-Attend Horse Shows in 2025: A Guide for Equestrian Enthusiasts
The 2025 calendar for horse shows across the United States is packed with exciting events for equestrians of all disciplines. Whether you're a rider, trainer, or spectator, these events provide thrilling competition, stunning horses, and opportunities to connect with the equestrian community. From hunter/jumper competitions to Western disciplines, here's your guide to the must-attend horse shows in 2025.
1.The Winter Equestrian Festival
If you’re in or around Wellington, Florida, and looking for an equestrian event to attend, then look no further than The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). It’s regarded as the world's longest-running and largest equestrian event spanning 13 weeks from January to March.
Held in the prestigious Wellington International, you’ll find competitions where professional and amateur riders showcase their skills across more than 70 divisions, including jumping, hunter, and equitation. Apart from the competitions, the event also has several family-friendly activities such as pony rides, face painting, and a Venetian carousel.
2.The Adequan Global Dressage Festival
Also taking place in Wellington, FL, during the same dates as the WEF, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest and richest dressage circuits.
The AGDF hosts a range of competitions, including dressage and para-dressage events, as well as the only non-championship CDIO Nations' Cup in the Western Hemisphere. A major highlight is Friday Night Stars, where top riders and horses deliver captivating CDI Grand Prix Freestyles.
3. The Desert Winter Circuit
The Desert Winter Circuit is a premier equestrian competition series held during the winter months at the Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) in Thermal, California. It primarily features hunter and jumper classes, attracting top riders from across the country and around the world.
Running from January through March, this high-level circuit serves as the main winter equestrian competition at DIHP, offering elite competition in a world-class setting. Some of the event’s highlights include the American Standard Grand Prix, National Grand Prix, and USHJA International Hunter Derby.
4. Ocala Winter Festival
The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, held at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida, is a premier hunter-jumper competition series running from December through March. This prestigious event draws top riders, horses, and trainers from around the world, making it a cornerstone of the winter equestrian season.
Key events to watch at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit include the STX Open Speed, the Go Rentals Grand Prix, and the Alliant Private Client Cup, each showcasing top-tier competition and thrilling performances.
5. All For The Horses Expo
The All for the Horses Expo, presented by Ariat International, is a premier all-equine industry trade show that takes place at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala. This event features top equestrian and lifestyle brands across various disciplines, along with a full schedule of activities throughout.
Held alongside the 2025 Winter Spectacular Show Series, the expo takes place in the heart of one of the season’s most exciting competitions, which brings together thousands of horses and riders in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines.
6. Devon Horse Show & County Fair
The Devon Horse Show and Country Fair (DHSCF) is one of the oldest and largest outdoor multi-breed horse shows in the United States, offering far more than just world-class equestrian competition.
The fairgrounds come alive with exclusive Devon souvenirs, boutique shopping, an art gallery, and a diverse selection of unique food. You can also enjoy the expansive Midway, featuring a Ferris wheel, carousel, and games for children of all ages, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
More than just a horse show, Devon is a one-of-a-kind experience that draws competitors, spectators, and visitors from around the world. Some of this event’s main attractions include the Radnor Hunt Fox Hounds, WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase, and The Budweiser Clydesdales.
7. AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse World Championships
The AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse (VRH) World Championships is an annual ranch horse competition held each June at the Tri-State Fairgrounds. This prestigious event brings together the top ranch horses in the world, combining four major competitions into one, showcasing the skill, versatility, and athleticism of the American Quarter Horse.
The event features the AQHA VRH World, AQHA RHC Finals, AQHA Cattle Level 1 Championships, and the NRSHA National Championship Show. Beyond competition, the championship serves to preserve the pedigree of the American Quarter Horse while celebrating its heritage, performance, and adaptability in ranch work.
8. The U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions
The U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions is a premier competition that showcases the top dressage horses and riders in the United States. This prestigious event highlights excellence in the sport and includes the USEF Para Dressage National Championship, celebrating the talent and dedication of both able-bodied and para-dressage athletes.
Held at HITS Chicago Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne, Illinois, the festival brings together the nation’s best to compete at the highest level. With its focus on precision, harmony, and skill, this championship serves as a pinnacle event for dressage in the U.S.
9. The NRHA Derby
The NRHA Derby is a prestigious annual event hosted by the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA), spotlighting the talent and precision of 4-, 5-, 6-, and 7-year-old reining horses. Held each June in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Derby draws top riders and horses from around the world, competing for significant prize money and industry recognition.
More than just a competition, the NRHA Derby celebrates the athleticism, skill, and training that define the sport of reining. It provides a world-class stage for both competitors and fans to experience the highest level of performance in this dynamic equestrian discipline.
10. The Run For A Million
The Run For A Million is the richest event in reining history and one of the most exciting new competitions in cow horse and cutting. Hosted at the prestigious South Point Arena and Equestrian Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, this event has quickly become the premier showcase of western equine sports, dedicated to promoting the finest horses and riders in the world.
At the heart of the event, sixteen top riders, including some of the most accomplished NRHA Professionals, will compete for an unprecedented $1,000,000 purse.
Beyond the Million Dollar Competition, the event features a range of elite challenges, including the Cow Horse Challenge, Cutting Horse Challenge, Youth Reining Challenge, Youth Working Cow Horse Challenge, Rookie Level 1 & 2 Challenges, Non Pro and Amateur Challenge, Open Shoot Out, Cowboy Heritage Ranch Challenge, and the $150,000 Bareback Buck Out Invitational.
11. Dressage At Devon
Held annually at the historic Devon Horse Show grounds, the event attracts a diverse crowd eager to enjoy world-class equestrian sports, boutique shopping, and a variety of exceptional food options. Throughout the week, spectators can take part in fun events and activities, making it a must-visit for dressage enthusiasts and families alike.
Founded in 1975, Dressage at Devon has grown into one of North America's premier dressage competitions, serving as a crucial stepping stone for riders with Olympic aspirations. The event features world-class dressage, the largest open breed show in the world, an international Fall Festival, and special attractions like the Parade of Breeds, the German Oldenburg Verband Perpetual Trophy, and Dressage Explorers.
12. National Horse Show
The National Horse Show, founded in 1883 in New York City, holds the distinction of being the oldest continually held horse show in the United States. Originally staged at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, the event has evolved over the years and is now hosted annually at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
Taking place in late October and early November, the competition features a prestigious lineup of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, attracting top equestrian talent from around the world.
Renowned for its rich tradition and elite competition, the National Horse Show showcases a variety of divisions, including hunter classes, Junior and Amateur Owner Jumpers, and the highly coveted ASPCA Maclay National Championship.
Consistently recognized as one of the top horse shows in the U.S. by the North American Riders Group (NARG), this event remains a cornerstone of excellence in the equestrian world.
13. Pennsylvania National Horse Show
The Pennsylvania National Horse Show (PNHS) is one of the most prestigious indoor equestrian events in the United States. Established in 1946, it takes place each October at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Spanning ten days, the show features a variety of hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, drawing top riders and horses from across the country.
Highlight competitions include the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Final, the USEF Junior Jumper Individual National Championship, and the Prix des States Team Championship. Beyond elite competition, the event gives back through the Pennsylvania National Horse Show Foundation, which supports therapeutic riding programs and equine rescue organizations.
14. Washington International Horse Show
The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS), established in 1958, is one of North America's premier equestrian events. Held each October, it showcases top-tier hunter, jumper, and equitation competitions, drawing elite riders and horses from around the world. In recent years, the event has been hosted at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.
Key highlights include the $406,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Washington for the President’s Cup, the exhilarating Puissance (high jump), and the prestigious WIHS Equitation Finals for junior riders. The show also features engaging exhibitions and family-friendly activities, such as the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechase, making it a must-see event for both equestrian enthusiasts and casual spectators.
15. Capital Challenge Horse Show
The Capital Challenge Horse Show is a premier equestrian event held annually at Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Taking place from late September to early October, this prestigious competition features hunter, jumper, and equitation classes, with standout events like the Ariat Adult Medal Finals, North American Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Challenge, and the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Finals.
Known for its high standards and elite competition, it remains a key highlight on the equestrian calendar
Plan Your Year!
With events spanning the entire year, there’s something for everyone in the equestrian world in 2025. Whether you're aiming to compete, learn, or simply enjoy the beauty of equestrian sports, these shows are sure to inspire. Mark your calendars and prepare for a year filled with equestrian excitement!
